Long Beach Breakwater Reconfiguration Feasibility Study Approved

The Army Corps of Engineers recently expressed Federal interest in the reconfiguration of Long Beach breakwater, recommending that Long Beach go forward with a feasibility study. On June 22, 2010 Long Beach City Council approved funding a four year feasibility study to consider improvements in water quality, marine habitat, and recreation. With the hope that reconfiguration of the breakwater could provide Long Beach with a much needing influx of coastal tourism dollars.

Relevant parties are divided on the subject, with many residents citing the importance of investment in the community while others are concerned over the price tag and four year time frame. Randy Gordon, President and CEO of the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce wrote a letter to Mayor Bob Foster and Long Beach City Council Members urging them to reconsider investment in the Feasibility Study.

Gordon’s main arguments centered around the investment in a feasibility study, the time frame, and that the Port of Long Beach would be expected to cover half of the 8 million dollar figure, with no guarantee that the project would move forward. Suggesting that Long Beach’s current fiscal situation requires focus on closing budget deficits and retaining or creating jobs. Imploring Long Beach City Council to maintain fiscal responsibility during tough economic times.

These arguments drew understandable criticism from residents who firmly believe that reconfiguration of the Long Beach Breakwater will bring benefits ranging from increased tourism to potentially greater real estate values. But with only a feasibility study being proposed and actual construction a long way off, there are a lot of pertinent issues to consider.

All relevant parties are making strong arguments in this case. ASR typically does not promote breakwaters as coastal protection devices. As a coastal engineering and consultation firm promoting the use of Multi-Purpose Reefs (submerged artificial nearshore structures) we certainly align with the argument for providing marine habitat and recreation. But want to make explicitly clear that project results are dependent on a number of important variables.

And there certainly are serious issues to consider. In the argument regarding water quality improvement, remember that the Los Angeles River exits into Long Beach’s East San Pedro Bay making improvements in water quality potentially questionable. But consider that fact that increases in marine life could act as a natural buffer for pollution entering the water body.

Another factor that will require serious consideration is likely change in coastal erosion should the breakwater be reconfigured or completely removed. The breakwater currently blocks swells from reaching shore. Changing the nearshore current dynamics and as a result, sediment transport.

ASR believes that reconfiguration of the Long Beach Breakwater shows incredible potential. Providing valuable improvements to Long Beach’s community and the environment.

Of potentially greater importance is that reconfiguration of Long Beach breakwater could set important precedent for reconsideration of coastal protection structures. And in conjunction, the view of coastal resources, coastal recreation, and the environment as important aspects of coastal economies and communities.